But the Brazilian is responding well to treatment and could be back before his initial end of October recovery date.

Coutinho's comeback is being tracked by Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid though, who enquired about his services this summer.

According to reports, Atletico are planning a New Year raid for Coutinho if they qualify from their Champions League group.

Coutinho injured his shoulder against Swansea [PA]

Atletico are planning a New Year raid for Coutinho if they qualify from their Champions League group

Diego Simeone's side are currently unbeaten in all of their 10 games so far season, having dispatched Zenit St Petersburg in their opening European outing and fresh from a 1-0 derby victory over Real Madrid in La Liga.

Atletico's trip to Porto on Tuesday will give a clearer indication of their chances of progressing to the knock-out rounds, but it appears well within their grasp.

And that could spell bad news for Brendan Rodgers, with the Madrid club targeting Coutinho to fill their playmaker void.

Coutinho, 21, cost Liverpool £8.5million from Inter Milan in January and Atletico would test the Reds' resolve with a bid of £20m upwards.